Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales and a faction of Republicans joined the House Democrats in voting in favor of the Respect For Marriage Act repealing the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 signed by President Bill Clinton. The act denied same-sex couples all benefits and recognition given to opposite-sex couples. The Defense of Marriage Act was eventually challenged and removed by the Supreme Court after United States v Windsor, it was found that the act violated basic due process and equal protection principles applicable to the Federal Government under the 5^th Amendment.

RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT MOVES TO THE SENATE

The Respect for Marriage Act will head to the Senate after a 267-157 vote in the U.S. House of Representative. According to Roll Call 373, 220 Democrats voted in favor for the act, along with 47 Republicans and 157 Republicans voted against the act. Seven Republicans opted not to vote. The Respect For Marriage Act will move on to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

SWITCH HITTING CONGRESSMAN GONZALES BATS FROM THE LEFT SIDE AGAIN

Congressman Gonzales was the only Texas Congressman that voted in favor of the act. This has been a pattern for the Republican Congressman who has been highly criticized for his response to the situation at the border. Congressman Tony Gonzales is the second most liberal Republican after GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy.